Austrostipa wakoolica  |  

Austrostipa wakoolica is a densely-tufted, perennial spear-grass that grows to 1 m tall. The leaves are flattened or rolled, 1.5 – 2.5 mm wide at their bases, slightly to strongly ribbed, and densely hairy. The flower-heads are spreading and moderately dense, to 36 cm long, comprising gaping spikelets 11 – 15 mm long (excluding the awn). The awn (bristle) is twicebent and 3.5 – 6 cm long. Austrostipa wakoolica flowers in response to rain. The species has been recorded flowering from October to December. Austrostipa wakoolica probably does not tolerate disturbance, requiring sites protected from the impacts of herbivore grazing and rabbits. The species probably requires periodic flooding of its habitat to maintain wet conditions. It is not known whether fire plays a role in the ecology of this species. Most species of Austrostipa provide an abundance of highly flammable ephemeral fuel in periods following above-average rainfall. Seed dispersal is mainly by wind, rain and flood events; the awn and sharp point of the floret appear to be an adaptation for burying the seed into the soil; grass seed is traditionally believed to be viable for three to five years, so a long-lived seed bank is considered unlikely for this species.